Fostering creativity in kindergarten

In the preschool years, creativity is not simply the ability to draw, sculpt, or sing. It is a much broader process that allows children to explore the world deeply, test different ideas, make mistakes without fear, and discover their own way of thinking.

At Saulės Gojus kindergarten, creativity is seen as a natural state of childhood – born from curiosity and nurtured through the freedom to play, explore, and experiment. For this reason, the everyday learning environment is thoughtfully designed to encourage children not only to create, but also to see themselves as creative individuals.

Preschool children are remarkably courageous creators. They are not afraid to make unexpected choices, combine unlikely elements, or try approaches that may seem illogical to adults. This courage lies at the heart of creativity.

When a child draws, sculpts, builds a tower, or invents a story, they are not only developing artistic skills – they are also learning to understand themselves: what they feel, what they want to express, and how they see the world. For this reason, fostering creativity is closely connected to emotional development. Children begin to recognise that their ideas have value, they express themselves more confidently, and their sense of self-belief grows.

Creativity does not belong solely to the world of art. It also means the ability to find new solutions, think critically, experiment, and approach problems from different perspectives. For this reason, children’s creativity is closely linked to the development of critical thinking. Children learn that there is not always a single correct answer, that they can try again if something does not work, and that every attempt brings them closer to discovery.

At Saulės Gojus kindergarten, this mindset is highly valued. Children are encouraged to explore different tools and approaches: drawing with a sponge instead of a pencil, building towers from pieces of bark rather than blocks, or experiencing a story through movement or song instead of simply listening to it. Such an environment creates a natural space for experimentation and the continuous exploration of ideas.

At Saulės Gojus, creativity is also nurtured through the practical application of Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. Each child expresses creativity in their own way, and the educational approach takes different types of intelligence into account. Some children create most naturally through movement or rhythm; others through images, language, sound, or social interaction.

Recognising these differences not only allows us to identify individual strengths, but also helps each child discover a form of creative expression that feels natural to them. In turn, this strengthens self-esteem and lays a strong foundation for future learning.

When children create together, they are not only generating ideas – they are building relationships. Shared creative activities develop the ability to negotiate, share, listen to others, and reconcile different opinions. Children learn to empathise with their peers, resolve disagreements, and work towards a shared outcome that brings satisfaction to everyone involved.

Creative projects in kindergarten often allow each child to contribute in their own way: one suggests an idea, another draws it, a third builds it, and a fourth brings it to life through storytelling. Through such experiences, children discover that creating together is both meaningful and enjoyable.

Children learn best through experience. Creative activities help them understand how materials, shapes, sounds, light, and colours behave. They begin to explore why certain materials leave marks on paper, why particular structures collapse, or how mixing two colours produces a new one.

These discoveries, made in the process of creating, encourage analytical thinking, help children draw conclusions, and nurture a natural curiosity – the essential driving force behind lifelong learning.

Creativity nurtures intrinsic motivation to learn. When children’s creativity is supported in a safe and encouraging environment during the preschool years – and when it is accompanied by the joy of exploration and discovery – they are more likely to grow into confident learners. At school and later in life, they become more willing to take on challenges, more resourceful in solving problems, and more secure in their own abilities.

At Saulės Gojus Kindergarten, creativity is an integral part of our educational philosophy, expressed through play, projects, and everyday discoveries. We believe it is essential that children continually experience the joy of creating – and that this joy remains with them as they grow.